Beth giggled, her cheeks turning pink. “You’re welcome, Dr. Handsome. Now spill!”
Bryce guided her to the couch, encouraging her to eat while he talked.
“I don’t know all the details, but Rodger said Tommy Gibson was arrested for defacing public property. He has court Monday morning, so Dr. Gibson pulled out of the conference.”
“Poor Tommy. I only met him a couple of times, but he always seemed withdrawn. Do you know Dr. Gibson or his wife well?” Beth asked, compassion filling her tone.
“Not really. I’ve had dinner with them a couple of times, but they’ve pulled back socially since Tommy started rebelling.While I support his decision to stay and take care of his family, that means I’ve been selected to go to Boston for the week in his place.” Bryce watched Beth, gauging her response.
Beth chewed her sandwich thoughtfully. “Wow, a whole week? That’ll be weird not having you around. We haven’t really been apart for that long since we got married.”
“You could always come with me,” Bryce suggested.
Beth considered it, and Bryce grinned. “It’s a nice hotel with a spa. You can relax with a book by the pool or get a massage while I’m at the conference, and in the evening, we can sample the tastes of Boston. I know you love their cream pie...”
Beth shook her head with a laugh. “You are an evil man to tempt a pregnant woman with food.”
Bryce chuckled. “You say evil, I say persuasive. What do you think?”
“I want to go, but I think I should stay. I’ve got that Bible study starting Monday with Crystal, and we have dinner at Mom and Dad’s because Lynn and her new boyfriend are visiting, and we already signed up for the run Tuesday night. Plus, I’d need to find someone to cover my Sunday school class tomorrow. Not to mention asking for time off from work.”
“Yeah, I knew it was a long shot. But a guy can hope.”
“You know I’d love to go with you, but it’s just not good timing.”
“I know.”
“What time do I need to have you at the airport?”
“I need to be there at 10 AM, I’ll just take an Uber so you don’t miss church. We can sort it all out tonight after work. I’llmeet you at the ER staff entrance at the end of your shift,” Bryce said, kissing her one last time before she headed back to work. Her break was drawing to an end.
Beth nodded. “Sounds good.”
The rest of the shift passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was the next morning and they were saying goodbye at the elevator. Beth was heading to church while Bryce had about an hour before his Uber arrived.
“Call me when you get to the hotel, please.” Beth said, hugging Bryce tightly.
“I should be there around eight and will call once I’m settled.”
Due to a delay and the time change, Bryce didn’t make it to his hotel until 2 AM, but he kept his promise and called Beth, assuring her they’d talk more Monday night.
“OH MY WORD, BRYCE! You are NOT going to believe how dinner went tonight!” Beth exclaimed as soon as the call connected.
“Hello to you too,” Bryce deadpanned.
“Oops—hi, honey! How was Boston? Did you get any treats?” Beth grinned.
Bryce laughed. “I’m just teasing. Go ahead. What’s the latest Lynn drama?”
“SHE’S MOVING TO FLORIDA!” Beth shouted into the phone.
“She’s what?”
“She’s moving to Florida with this new guy Jordan—ON THURSDAY!”
“This is Lynn we’re talking about. There’s a chance she’ll change her mind by Thursday.”
“Bryce, she’s already packed up her apartment and they brought a U-Haul to Mom and Dad’s.”
